Medway Council has commissioned a new pilot project to support residents with learning disabilities or autism find employment.
The council has commissioned Kent Specialist Employment to provide tailored support to 60 residents, over the age of 16, to support them whilst finding paid employment, work placements, supported apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities which will lead to employment.
Kent Specialist Employment will also work with businesses and offer support and advice on employing people with learning disabilities and autism, to ensure they remain supported in the workplace.
Finding employment which best suits their needs
Cllr Jane Chitty, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, Economic Growth and Regulation, said: “I am delighted that we are recognising and focussing on the challenges residents with learning disabilities, and/or autism may face when finding employment. We will work with them all individually to find their strengths and try to find a suitable job, work placement or apprenticeship which best meets their needs. We will continue to offer support and advice once they have found a suitable placement to help them adapt to their new working environment. I am excited that this project has taken shape and I look forward to seeing how it progresses.”
Tailored support
Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Services, Cllr David Brake, said: “We are committed to supporting our residents to reach their full potential and I am pleased that we will be offering tailored employment support to young people and adults with learning disabilities and autism. I am also pleased that we will be working with employers to ensure they know how to best support employees with additional needs. I would encourage businesses and residents to get in touch with Kent Specialist Employment if they would like to get involved in the project.”
Helping residents meet their full potential
Alicia Moyles, Head of Service for Specialist Employment (incorporating Kent Supported Employment), said: "We are delighted to be supporting Medway residents move into employment. Our proven track record throughout Kent enables us to support the residents to meet their full potential by exploring their skills and abilities using professional career guidance and supported employment principles. Our offer to employers ensures they are able to access a new talent pool of employees to embed within their workplace, through job coaching, job carving and ongoing support."
For more information, or to find out more about the project phone 03000 410781 or email KentSupportedEmployment@theeducationpeople.org